Fishers Council approves neighborhood parking-permit ordinance after mixed public comments

The Fishers City Council voted to adopt a neighborhood parking-permit ordinance aimed at addressing recurring overflow parking and safety concerns in parts of Sunblest/Sunblest Boulevard and Heritage Meadows.

Chief Keith Ed Gebhardt told the council the measure is a response to longstanding noncompliance and that the ordinance would allow the city to add or remove streets and set time zones through the Board of Public Works. He said enforcement and fine practices will be refined over time and proposed a 60–90 day evaluation window after implementation to assess effectiveness.

During a public hearing residents expressed sharply different views. Mark Winebrenner, a 30-year Fishers resident, said the proposal was a "terrible idea," arguing that responsibility for overflow parking caused by mosque attendees should rest with the institution rather than neighborhood residents and warning a permit system could create confusing enforcement and fines for residents' guests. By contrast, Fred Scheel of Heritage Meadows described littering, public urination and blocked driveways tied to overflow patrons at a nearby business and said the permit program would aid enforcement. Other speakers including a representative of American Legion Post 470 and residents from Sunblest and Sunblest Farms expressed support and suggested operational refinements such as limiting guest passes to residents.

Council members praised the chief's outreach and said the ordinance is a necessary step while acknowledging it is an imperfect solution that may require adjustments. The council approved the measure on second reading; the mayor and council directed staff to monitor outcomes and to allow the Board of Public Works to make street-level adjustments.

The ordinance takes effect according to the city's standard implementation schedule; council members said they expect to review early results after the proposed 60–90 day period.